Cockburn Town in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Overseas Territories — North Atlantic Ocean
Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall?
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2011
1. Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall ? Marker
The exact location of Christopher Columbus' first landfall in the New World in 1492 has been debated for centuries. Columbus' original journal of his first voyage to the New World is lost, and we will likely never know for sure.
Recent theories and recreations of what is known of the first voyage may have landed in present-day San Salvador in the Bahamas, Samana Cay in the Bahamas, Cat Island in the Bahamas, or, possibly Grand Turk.
Proponents of the Grand Turk theory point to similarities between recorded descriptions of the first island and Grand Turk, including that numerous other islands can be seen in the distance and that there is a large natural harbor.
Computer models have re-charted his course, which in some cases indicate an arrival at Grand Turk is possible.
We likely will never know the location of Columbus's first landfall, but the subject is fascinating and an important part of our history.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1492.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 21° 30.721′ N, 71° 8.024′ W. Marker was in
this page online
Regionally, it was in one of the Lesser Antilles in the Atlantic Ocean, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Horatio Nelson Lookout Point (here, next to this marker); The Northeast Reef (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall? (within shouting distance of this marker); Trouvadore Shipwreck (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Turk Historic Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Grand Turk Historic Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Naval Facility (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Lighthouse Keeper's Residence & Bermuda Kitchen (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cockburn Town.
Other markers no longer nearby. Horatio Nelson Lookout Point (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Grand Turk Historic Lighthouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 11, 2011
2. Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall ? Marker
Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall ? Marker
3. Columbus
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 11, 2011
4. Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall ? Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,961 times since then and 61 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week August 2, 2015. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 27, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
